Committee: Member Engagement Committee
Position: Chair
Term Dates: Two-year term, non-renewable
The chair leads the Member Engagement Committee (MEC) to reach the objectives as outlined in the NAFSA Standing Rules VIII, Section E to engage new and returning members and manage the portfolio of NAFSA Interest Groups.
Year 1, as MEC chair-elect, is focused on contributing to the organizational and project management duties of the annual work plan, partnering with and supporting the existing chair, assuming the duties of chair in their absence, and preparing the MEC work plan for the following year
Year 2, as MEC chair, is focused on leading the MEC committee through virtual and in-person meetings to achieve the assigned outcomes of the work plan, monitoring progress of MEC activities, and reporting progress to the Vice President for Professional Development and Engagement (VP PDE) throughout the year.
Position updated January 2023.
NAFSA is not currently accepting applications for this position. Applications and nominations will reopen in Spring 2026. Please visit NAFSA Volunteer Leadership: Open Positions to learn about available opportunities.
Major Functions and Responsibilities
Within the framework of the NAFSA Strategic Plan, this position will:
- Lead the committee to achieve the outcomes described in Standing Rule VIII, Section E;
- Welcome and engage new members with quarterly outreach and at engagement events and programs during the annual conference.
- Support knowledge communities and national committees with their member engagement activities.
- Manage the portfolio of Interest Groups, providing on-going support of Interest Groups as appropriate throughout the year, and convening with leaders on a quarterly basis.
- Approve and dissolve Interest Groups according to the guidelines in the Guidance for Interest Group Leaders & Organizers.
- Complete tri-annual reviews of MIGs in accordance with the Standing Rules. Offer guidance to Interest Group leaders to improve group engagement activities. Encourage Interest Groups to convene their communities at the annual conference, regional conferences, and for online events. Reinforce these efforts with MEC member participation.
- Develop and deploy an MEC work plan—linked to the association’s Strategic Plan—addressing the committee’s goals and initiatives for the year serving as chair;
- Update VP PDE at least twice a year on the status of work plan goals;
- Address the needs of NAFSA’s diverse members and MIGs in the execution of MEC activities, which may include online resources, professional development activities, conference sessions and outreach;
- Collaborate with the NAFSA staff partner to achieve these goals
Sample Projects
In recent years, the MEC has led projects such as:
- Arranging and presenting quarterly, online New Member Welcome presentations
- Convening roundtable and pavilion discussions tailored to newcomers at the Annual Conference & Expo
- Engaging with Interest Groups throughout the year by attending Interest Group Open Meetings, reviewing Annual Reports, and offering guidance to leaders.
Commitment
- Assure NAFSA membership through the length of the two-year, nonrenewable term.
- Dedicate approximately 4-6 hours per month to MEC projects, with peak periods around the Annual Conference & Expo.
- Prepare agenda and lead MEC meetings throughout the year. Most meetings are online.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement
- Endeavor to attend meetings, events, and activities at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
Qualifications
- Experience with NAFSA and a strong overall knowledge of the structure of the association
- Knowledge of and ability to articulate as well as promote the benefits of being a NAFSA member
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives and MEC strategic priorities and to adopt association perspectives on member engagement
- Experience with strategic planning, management, networking, and delegation
- Skills in analytical, oral and written communication
- Ability to work effectively with a team and with NAFSA staff in an outcomes-based environment
Desired Qualifications
- Previous leadership experience in NAFSA at the regional or national level, especially with Interest Groups
- Experience in public speaking, presentations, marketing, and mentoring
Benefits and Appreciation
NAFSA appreciates its volunteer leaders with a strategy that develops, celebrates, and supports them throughout the year:
- The MEC chair-elect and chair receive 100% complimentary registration for the NAFSA Annual Conference.
- Leaders in this role receive complimentary access to two NAFSA e-learning courses, during quarter 1 and quarter 4.
- Leaders in this role are invited to an invite-only appreciation reception at the NAFSA Annual Conference
- Leaders in this role are asked to attend online and onsite leadership community gatherings throughout the year, with themes focused on the NAFSA International Education Professional Competencies 2.0
- Leaders in this role are recognized with special signage at the NAFSA Annual Conference
